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Ninja Thirsti Max review: your own personal soda machine

2:30 pm | November 16, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

Ninja Thirsti Max: one-minute review

Reduce the use of single-use bottles and cans by making your own carbonated beverages at home with the Ninja Thirsti Max. With a touch of the CO2 button, you can add a low, medium, or high level of carbonation for fizzy drinks or you can skip the carbonation entirely for a still beverage.

The Ninja Thirsti Max comes with four bottles of Flavored Drops, which you'll need if you want to make anything besides plain seltzer water. Ninja makes a variety of these flavor drops in different categories: Zero Soda, Seltzer, Fruiti Chill (electrolytes or B vitamins), and Fruiti Chill+ (with caffeine). You can also adjust the amount of flavoring that goes into your drink, either low or high. The machine holds two flavor drop bottles at once, so you can combine the flavors into one drink, proportioned the way you like. You can make four different drink sizes: 6oz, 12oz, 18oz, or one liter.

With some experimentation, I found the fizz and flavor level I liked best. I tested out eight different flavors, at least one from each category. I liked some flavors better than others, but overall the drinks were tasty. The flavored seltzer drops are unsweetened, similar to a La Croix or other sparkling water. All of the other flavor drops are sweetened with the artificial sweetener sucralose.

Ninja Thirsti Max: price and availability

List price: $169.99 (about £132 / AU$259)

The Ninja Thirsti Max is available at all the major retailers you'd expect, both in brick and mortar stores and online. The price includes a CO2 tank and four bottles of Ninja Flavored Drops. If you order directly from Ninja's website, you can select the exact flavors you'd like, otherwise you get four pre-selected flavors in the box.

The Flavored Drops retail for $6.99 (£5.43 / AU$10.64) apiece. Each bottle yields 17-20 12oz beverages. The 60L CO2 tank runs $36.99 (£28.76 / AU$56.34), but you can save 30% by recycling your spent tank each time. Each canister should carbonate about 100 12oz drinks, depending on how carbonated you like your beverages.

Value score: 4.5/5

Ninja Thirsti Max: specifications

Ninja Thirsti Max: design and features

Easy to use
Choose your fizz and flavor intensity
Choose your beverage size

The Ninja Thirsti Max is a nice neutral matte metallic gray that will probably look at home with nearly any kitchen decor. It's not a tiny machine, but it's reasonably-sized for what it does. Setting up the Ninja Thirsti Max is easy and takes just a couple of minutes. Plug it in, insert the CO2 tank, fill the water tank, attach the drink tray, place your Flavored Drops into their slots, and you're ready to go.

Ninja Thirsti Max CO2 tank — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

The 60L CO2 tank is neatly hidden behind a door in the back, so once it's installed you don't notice it.

Ninja Thirsti Max top down view — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

The water tank also happens to have a 60L capacity. Ninja recommends that you use either very cold water or water plus ice in order to maximize your carbonation and taste. The water tank has a plunger so you can quickly chill your ice water by pressing it up and down a few times.

Ninja Thirsti Max with Stanley cup — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

The height of the drink tray can be adjusted depending on the size of the cup or glass you're filling. It can also be removed if you're using an extra large cup.

Ninja Thirsti Max close up — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Design score: 4.5/5

Ninja Thirsti Max: performance

The Ninja Thirsti Max works exactly as Ninja describes. Once you have set up the machine, choose the flavor intensity you want from each Flavored drop bottle: none, low, or high. Choose your beverage size: 6oz, 12oz, 18oz, or 1L. Choose your carbonation level: none, low, medium, or high. Place your cup under the nozzle and press start. The Ninja Thirsti Max will beep when your drink is ready.

Ninja recommends using ice water or very cold water in the water tank, and I agree that you get a better result if you do that. I'd also recommend emptying the water tank and adding fresh water once a day or each time the ice melts, otherwise your drink can have a stale 'melted ice' flavor.

Ninja Thirsti Max with orange soda — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

The real limitation of the Ninja Thirsti Max is the Flavored Drops. There are currently more than two dozen zero sugar flavors with more on the way. The seltzer flavor drops are unsweetened, but all of the other flavors are sweetened with sucralose, the artificial sweetener found in Splenda. There are no flavors with sugar or any other sweeteners in the lineup as of this writing.

I tried all of the Flavored Drops that Ninja sent me to test. There were four soda flavors: root beer, orange, cola, and Dr Thirsti. I also received a lemonade with added vitamins, strawberry kiwi electrolyte beverage, peach mango energy drink, and unsweetened black cherry seltzer.

Ninja Thirsti Max with root beer — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

The sodas are new to the Ninja Thirsti lineup. They all tasted pretty much like the diet sodas they are intended to replicate. However, the cola and Dr Thirsti flavors wouldn't fool you into thinking they are Diet Coke or Diet Dr Pepper in a blind taste test.

Ninja Thirsti Max flavors — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Ninja has changed the labeling on their original Flavored Drops, and I got both some of the old and the new. 'Hydrate' and 'Vitamins' became 'Fruiti Chill', 'Energy' became 'Fruiti Chill+', and what was called "Splash" is now "Seltzer."

All of the ones I tried were pretty tasty, once I got the right flavor intensity and level of fizz for my taste. All of the carbonation levels were sufficient, but I liked the highest level the best. I find I generally prefer a low level of flavor intensity since the higher level tended to be quite sweet, but your tastes may vary. In some cases, I even added extra plain seltzer to cut the sweetness a bit.

It's important to note that I do use sucralose in my everyday life, so I'm used to the way it tastes and I'm fine with it. If you don't, you might not enjoy it.

Ninja Thirsti Max making seltzer — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Of course, the seltzer flavor drops are not sweetened at all, and making sparkling water might be some people's main reason for buying the machine. I'm a big sparkling water drinker, and lugging home multi-packs of canned water is a hassle. I found the Ninja Thirsti black cherry seltzer to be comparable in both fizz and flavor to popular canned sparkling waters like La Croix, Polar, Waterloo, and others.

Keep in mind, there is nothing stopping you from making plain seltzer in the Ninja Thirsti Max and adding whatever you like to it. I tried adding a favorite powdered drink mix to the plain seltzer I made and that was great. You could also try adding fruit juice or even wine for a sort of spritzer beverage. You can always add flavor drops from any other brands.

Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Ninja Thirsti Max?

Buy it if

You love carbonated beverages

Whether it's soda, sparkling water, energy drinks, or vitamin drinks, you'll likely enjoy the convenience of making your own carbonated beverages at home.

You want to reduce your use of single-use containers

Rather than buying carbonated beverages in disposable cans and bottles, you can make your own at home and take it with you in any reusable container.

You like sucralose-sweetened sugar-free drinks and/or unsweetened seltzers

All of the Ninja Thirsti sweetened flavor drops contain sucralose, as many diet beverages on the market do. The seltzer flavor drops contain no sweeteners.

Don't buy it if

You don't like carbonated drinks

Technically, you can make non-carbonated drinks in the Ninja Thirsti Max, but what would be the point? I guess if you really like those Ninja flavor drops but not the fizz, go for it.

You don't like any of the Ninja Thirsti flavor drops

You can just make plain seltzer and add anything you like to it, but if none of the Thirsti's flavor drops sound appealing, it's probably not worth buying this particular machine.

You lack counter space

While this isn't a huge appliance, if counter space is particularly limited, it might be a deal-breaker for you.

Ninja Thirsti Max: also consider

If you're not sure about the Ninja Thirsti Max, here are some other options to consider...

SodaStream Spirit One Touch

The obvious competitor to the Ninja Thirsti Max is the slighter cheaper and smaller SodaStream. Unlike the Thirsti, it doesn't add the flavors directly, it just carbonates your water. Any flavorings are added after the fact.

Read our full review here.

Breville the InFizz Fusion

This gorgeous machine is a bit more expensive than the Ninja Thirsti Max, but it carbonates any and all of your favorite cold beverages.

Read our full review here .

How I tested the Ninja Thirsti Max

I tasted a variety of beverages
I tried different carbonation levels and different flavor intensities
I made plain seltzer and added my own drink mix

I've been drinking lots and lots of fizzy drinks over the past couple of weeks. I tried all eight of the flavors that Ninja sent me, plus I tried adding my own drink mix to plain seltzer. I tried different fizz levels and different flavor intensities. Personally I liked the lower flavor setting, as the higher flavor setting yielded too sweet of a beverage for my taste. All of the fizz settings were really fine, but I kept it set to maximum carbonation for the longest lasting bubbles. I tried mixing some of the flavors together, though I didn't find a combination that I really loved. Everyone's tastes are different, though.

Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max: two-minute review

The Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is a simple-to-use and space-saving air purifier. It’s available from Amazon in the US and the UK at a list price of $69.99 / £79. It’s far from the most high-tech air purifier on the market but it seems to do a good job of purifying the air, despite its lack of bells and whistles and low price point.

Replacement Particle and Carbon filters are cheap, costing $21.99 / £18, and should theoretically last a long period, with BlueAir stating that they can last up to six months of 24-hour use. There are other filter options available, namely Allergenblock and Smokeblock, which offer more tailored protection.

An ideal air purifier for desktop or nightstand use, the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max measures only 11.4 x 6.8 x 5.9 inches / ‎172 x 172 x 289mm and is impressively lightweight. The reason behind this portable purifier weighing so little is down to the lack of protective casing over the filter itself. The colored fabric covering doubles as a washable pre-filter over the filter, and other than some structural plastic on the inside, that’s all the base consists of.

Image shows a close-up of the fabric pre-filter. — (Image credit: Future)

It’s possible to purchase further pre-filter coverings, and they’re available in a range of different colors, which is always a bonus for me. While this design is innovative and sustainability-conscious, it does mean that the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max could be at higher risk of damage than heavier plastic-covered alternatives.

The Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is as low on features as it is in price, but that’s fair enough. It has no automated fan settings or particle detection, just three fan speeds that can be cycled through via the fan touch button on the top of the purifier. It is helpful enough to monitor the condition of the filter, however, showing a yellow indicator when the filter is due to be changed soon, and red when it needs changing.

The Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max was a breeze to set up and operate. The touch buttons were responsive and the air purifier reacted quickly upon switching settings. Even though the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max lacked any kind of contamination indicators, the change in air quality was noticeable when the purifier was in operation. It had a surprising cooling effect on the surrounding environment, but as I was using it on a chilly November morning in the south of England, I consider this to be an indicator of how well the Blue Pure Mini Max was circulating the air.

The image shows the removed top section of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max sitting next to the fabric-covered filter base. — (Image credit: Future)

In terms of volume level, the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max operated very quietly on the lowest fan speed, so it was no problem sleeping or working next to it. The two higher settings are more noticeable, but still at a satisfyingly low volume, with the top speed giving me a reading of just 47 dB.

Overall, you’re getting what you pay for with the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max. The price for the air purifier is great, and the filters are good value, especially considering their longevity and the cost savings from the filter subscription plan available in the US currently.

In closing, I was pleasantly surprised by the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max. I didn’t expect to be impressed due to this mini air purifier's low price point and lack of features, but the ease of use, good performance, and innovative design really won me over, and could see it sneaking its way into our selection of the best air purifiers before too long.

Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max review: price & availability

List price: $69.99 / £79
Available now in the US and UK

The Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is a simple, desktop-sized, small-room air purifier that’s available in the US, and UK at Amazon for $69.99 / £79.

One element that often has the potential to catch people out is the cost of replacement filters compared to the initial cost of an air purifier itself. I’m pleased to say this isn’t the case with the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max, as replacement Blueair Particle and Carbon filters cost just $21.99 / £18, which is particularly good considering the filters can last up to six months, even when used 24 hours a day. This cost can be brought down further still with Blueair's filter replacement subscription, but at the time of writing the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max and associated filters are only showing up on the Blueair website, so we’ll have to wait for them to become available on the official site to take advantage of this offer in the UK.

There are other filter types available too: the Allergenblock filter, designed to reduce our exposure to dust allergens, pollen, and pet dander, and the Smokeblock filter, with double the activated carbon intended to remove wildfire smoke, plus heightened protection against other wildfire emissions.

Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max review: specs

Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max review: design and features

No display
Long-lasting filters
Machine-washable fabric pre-filter

This is a very simple example of an air purifier, with no app support, visual display, or automatic detection – but at this price point, it’d be unfair to expect much more. The fact that the low-cost filters can last up to six months when running for 24 hours a day is certainly an attractive feature, and one thing the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max can monitor is the filter life, displaying a yellow light on the top of the unit to indicate that the filter will need changing soon, turning red when it actually does.

The outer fabric looks nice from a distance, but the finish gives away the budget cost of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max; the fabric is a little loose, and the seam is wiggly and uneven, bulging out where it goes over the tan leather effect Blueair tag. The reason for this looseness becomes apparent as it’s not simply an aesthetic covering; it’s designed to be a washable fabric pre-filter.

This image shows a close-up of the seam and leather-effect tab of the fabric pre-filter. — (Image credit: Future)

I’ve never seen a design quite like this, as most air purifiers have plastic casing to protect the inner filters whereas the body of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is simply some structural plastic sitting within the particle and carbon filter, covered in the washable pre-filter. This goes to explain its very light weight of 2.5 lb / 3.4kg but could make it vulnerable to damage.

Despite its minor flaws, it’s a nice touch that Blueair made the pre-filter part of the overall aesthetic, which has meant less material and wasted plastic, which we’re always happy to see at TechRadar. It’s also an advantage that they are machine washable and extras can be purchased in a range of colors, just in case you don’t want to wait for one to dry, or want to switch things up occasionally.

Not only is it delightfully light, it’s dinky in size, too. Measuring just 11.4 x 6.8 x 5.9 inches / ‎172 x 172 x 289mm. This cylindrical 360-degree design enables the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max to be placed in a variety of spaces, as there’s plenty of opportunity for it to pull air in.

The image shows the inside of the base of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max, the top section is visible to the right. — (Image credit: Future)

There is no display panel on the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max, with only a power button, a fan button, a filter indicator light, and three fan speed indicator lights on the top of the air purifier. The fixed power cable extends out of the lower portion of the white plastic top section of the purifier. I found this placement odd at first but, of course, as the base is simply composed of the filters and plastic frame, this was the only logical place to put it.

There’s not much to dislike about the aesthetic of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max. The finish along the seam of the fabric pre-filter could be better, and the cable placement looks a little unusual, but all things considered, it lives up to its name. It's satisfyingly small and lightweight, making it a perfect option for anyone wanting to relocate their purifier regularly, or for those who struggle with maneuvering things.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max review: performance

No display or smart features
Operated quietly
Easy to use

The Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max proved easy to set up and operate. It was essentially just a case of removing the packaging and plugging the air purifier in, job done. The touch buttons were responsive, so it was quick to turn the purifier on and off and to cycle between fan speeds. The reaction speed was satisfyingly quick when changing between fan settings, whereas some purifiers take time to slow down, even when quickly cycling past the highest setting to get back to the lowest.

Despite the lack of air quality data to review, the Blue Pure Mini Max made the air around me feel fresher quickly upon first use when running it at fan speed 2. It had quite the cooling effect straight off the bat, which I’ve not encountered with other air purifiers, with cold air blowing quite strongly through the air vents at the top of the unit. This suggested to me that the air was circulating well, but after a while, on a grey November morning in the South West of England, it made the room uncomfortably cold, so that’s worth bearing in mind if you plan to use your air purifier in the winter.

The white and gray Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max sits on a pale surface in front of a pink background. — (Image credit: Future)

In a 13 x 16 ft / 4 x 5 meter room, the sound of the air purifier is noticeable when on its second speed setting if there’s no other sound to drown it out. The pitch of the noise is interesting: it reminded me of the sound of a blowtorch, which is ironic considering it was cooling the room down. Blueair claims that their lowest fan speed is quieter than a whisper, and while I didn’t get a reading as low as they’ve stated, it was pretty darn quiet at 26 dB. It was barely audible to me from around four feet away. If I listened hard, I could hear a low humming, but it didn’t prove disruptive in the slightest when I was trying to sleep or working away at my desk.

Naturally, the higher fan speeds were louder, with fan speed 2 giving a reading of 35 dB, and speed 3, the highest setting, giving a reading of 47 dB. This was of course much more noticeable and made my cats a little wary at first, but compared to other air purifiers, such as the Molekule Air Mini+ whose lowest fan speed was 39 dB, it’s satisfyingly quiet.

As with other low-priced air purifiers I’ve tested, the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max couldn’t remove cooking smells. It did have some impact on the intensity, however, as I noticed that the cooking odor got a little stronger once I’d switched the purifier off, so I was pleased that it managed to make a small impact at least.

Overall, using the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max was a pleasant experience. It was small enough and light enough that I could find a space for it in every room, and it worked at a low enough volume that it wasn’t distracting.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max?

Buy it if...

You want multiple air purifiers without breaking the bank
The Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max works hard despite its small stature, and its low cost means that it isn’t above the realm of possibility to purchase more than one so that you can enjoy its effects in multiple spaces.

You want a lightweight air purifier you can relocate with ease
Due to this purifier’s petite size, and the base consisting of a lightweight frame, the filter, and the pre-filter, the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is gloriously easy to pick up and carry.

You want some peace and quiet
The sound of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is barely audible when on the lowest setting, making it a perfect nighttime purifying companion. Naturally, it is much more noticeable at higher speeds, but it’s still much quieter compared to other small purifiers I’ve tested.

Don't buy it if...

You want automated purifying
A budget price means basic features, and so this air purifier lacks particle detection. This means it can’t be left to its own devices and settings must be adjusted manually for it to clear the surrounding air efficiently.

You want something robust
It’s certainly a big pro that this air purifier is light and doesn’t possess a load of excess materials, however, the internal filters aren’t the most robust and are only covered by a layer of fabric. On the plus side, though, at least the filters are replaceable.

You want a display
There’s no display or companion app with this low-cost air purifier. There are no settings to alter other than the fan speeds and, as expected, without particle detection there is no contamination data to review, either.

Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max review: Also consider

Levoit Core 300S Smart True HEPA
It’s double the cost, but it features an insightful and intuitive companion app, and it performed well during testing. It’s larger than the Blueair purifier but has the added benefit of automatic detection and an LED touch display. If you want to learn more, why not check out our full Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier review.

Molekule Air Mini+
A much more premium option for those who value a higher quality of materials and extra bacteria-busting technology. Its communication wasn’t ideal, and so although it is smart and has a companion app, it isn’t always reliable, but used manually it has some great purification features that might take your interest. To learn more about its medical-grade credentials, you can find out more in our Molekule Air Mini+ review.

How I tested the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max

I used the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max for one week
I tested how much of an impact it had on the surrounding air quality
I tested its ability to tackle cooking smells

I checked how easy was to get the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max set up, how easy it was to operate, and how portable it was.

I tested it in different rooms in my home, and observed how quiet it was at night time and whether it disturbed my sleep.

I assessed its design and structure, paying close attention to quality and any sustainable elements.

I reviewed the impact it had on the air quality in my environment, and how well it handled cooking smells.

First reviewed: November 2024
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Q Acoustics 3020c review: stereo speakers that make lightning strike for the umpteenth time

12:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Speakers | Comments: Off

Q Acoustics 3020c: Two-minute review

The Q Acoustics 3020c is one design in a five-strong range of (relatively) affordable new speakers from the British brand's 3000c series. Four different finishes are available, and no matter which one you prefer it will do justice to a braced, elegantly curved cabinet that’s just slightly longer than it is tall. Satin nickel driver surrounds behind magnetically attached grilles only add to the impression of a thoughtful and quite upmarket design.

A driver array consisting of a 22mm soft dome tweeter that’s decoupled from the main speaker baffle is bolstered by a rear-facing bass reflex port. Sat below is a 120mm mid/bass driver of the ‘continuous curved cone’ design that Q Acoustics first introduced in a far more expensive range of passive loudspeakers than this one. Claimed frequency response of 60Hz - 30kHz is the result and, if accurate, should be more than adequate for people who don’t prioritize ‘bass, and plenty of it’ over everything else. As well as the reflex port, the rear panel also features a single pair of extremely low-profile cable binding posts.

Q Acoustics 3020c speakers in a hi-fi listening room — (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

In action, the Q Acoustics 3020c prove a forthright, detailed and surprisingly assertive listen. No matter the type of music you listen to, and no matter its source, they sink their teeth in and let it know who’s boss immediately. Detail levels are high, drive and attack is plentiful, and both the tonal balance and the integration of the frequency range are completely convincing. Their stereo focus is impressive, their soundstaging abilities even more so, and the sort of momentum and urgency with which they can imbue a recording is always striking.

They’re not the heftiest speaker this sort of money can buy, it’s true – the low-frequency stuff they generate is taut and straight-edged, but could conceivably be punchier. And when it comes to dynamic expression, there’s a slight lack of headroom apparent. Because their default position is to be reasonably intense to start with, any changes in intensity are necessarily inhibited – just a touch, to be fair, but it’s a trait nevertheless.

Neither of these things prevent the Q Acoustics 3020c being a thoroughly enjoyable and quite invigorating listen, though, which warrants entry to our best stereo speakers roundup. Anyone with this sort of money for a speaker of this sort of size needs to hear them.

Close-up of the Q Acoustics 3020c speakers' curved edges, in a hi-fi listening room — (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Q Acoustics 3020c review: Price & release date

Released August, 2024
Priced $499 / £399 / AU$899

The Q Acoustics 3020c are on sale now, and in the United States they sell for $499 per pair. In the United Kingdom, they go for £399, while in Australia you’re looking at AU$899.

It’s an eye-catching price, for sure, and exciting when you remember just how much excellence Q Acoustics has demonstrated at the loudspeaker entry level. But competition is fierce: from Dali and Elac to KEF and JBL, there are numerous well-regarded alternatives – and they're far from alone...

Q Acoustics 3020c conic mid/bass driver — (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Q Acoustics 3020c review: Features

120mm mid/bass driver
22mm decoupled soft dome tweeter
60Hz - 30kHz frequency response

Like most passive loudspeakers, the Q Acoustics 3020c aren’t exactly overburdened with features. A couple of drive units, a helpfully positioned bass reflex port and some speaker binding posts are about all that can be expected – and sure enough, that’s about all the 3020c have.

Mind you, this being Q Acoustics those features are thoroughly implemented and entirely fit for purpose. The 22mm soft dome tweeter, for instance, is hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated from the baffle from which it protrudes. To all intents and purposes it’s floating, which prevents pressure modulations both from the energy it’s producing and from the mid/bass driver beneath it. The chamber it sits in is vented in an effort to minimize distortion, and has a lower-than-usual crossover point in order to make integration with the mid/bass driver as smooth as possible.

The mid/bass driver itself is a 120mm design of the ‘continuous curved cone’ type Q Acoustics first introduced on much more expensive loudspeakers than this one. Its continuous curve profile offers well-controlled frequency response, enhanced low-frequency dynamics and excellent dispersion characteristics – Q Acoustics suggests it offers the bass performance of a more common conic design with the midrange control of a flared cone design. The best of both worlds, in other words.

There’s a modestly sized bass reflex port venting from the rear of the cabinet, just above a single pair of extremely low-profile cable binding posts – Q Acoustics provides port bungs to help ensure the 3020c’s low-frequency activity is appropriate no matter where in your room they end up being positioned. The arrangement is good for a frequency response of 60Hz - 30kHz, according to the manufacturer, and with nominal impedance of six ohms and sensitivity of 87dB, the 3020c shouldn’t be any kind of problem for an amplifier to drive.

Features score: 5/5

Q Acoustics 3020c review: Sound quality

Positive, upfront and informative sound
Impressive powers of resolution
Not as out-and-out punchy or dynamic as they might be

Sit up straight and pay attention – that seems to be the 3020c's attitude when it comes to sound. This is an assertive and direct pair of loudspeakers, and while it has a range of talents to reveal, what’s most immediate about the 3020c is, well, just how immediate it is.

Once through a copy of Fela Kuti’s Water No Get Enemy makes the point in unequivocal fashion. There’s plenty of harmonic dynamism on display, a really impressive amount of detail retrieved at every turn, but it’s the sheer bite and attack of the recording, the blare and the stridency, that the Q Acoustics really zero in on. This kind of positivity could, if imperfectly deployed, seem like raucousness – here it’s more a kind of urgency. Music-making is a serious business, according to the 3020c, and there’s really no time to pussyfoot.

If this makes the Q Acoustics sound in any way uncouth, be assured that’s not the case. Their tonality is judged nicely – they’re a neutral and uncolored listen, from the top of the frequency range to the bottom. The integration of the two drivers is smooth, the contributions of the bass reflex port are careful, and the inputs of each area of the frequency range are properly balanced and entirely convincing. Details both broad and fine are confidently identified and contextualized throughout, and the minutiae of tone and texture is readily available as a result.

The soundstage the 3020c can create is large and properly organized, and there’s great stereo focus even when a recording is as packed with contributors as Fela Kuti’s. Switching to something on a much smaller scale – Anastasia Coope’s Woke Up and No Feet, for instance – allows the Q Acoustics to demonstrate how adept they are at opening up a recording and making each element available. That's even if, as with this recording, it’s lo-fi and lacking in separation in the first place.

The lower frequencies aren’t the meatiest you ever heard from a pair of speakers at this sort of money, it’s true, but there’s no arguing with how well controlled they are. There’s an almost martial observation of bass attack and decay, and the result is a spring-heeled approach to rhythmic expression that keeps momentum levels high and means music really drives along. If that’s the trade-off for a slight lack of outright punch and substance, it seems fair enough to me.

What’s just a touch less easy to accommodate is a slight lack of dynamic potency. It’s not as if the 3020c ignore changes in volume or intensity during the course of a recording, but they don’t breathe quite as deeply as some alternative designs when it comes to making these shifts completely obvious. They’re direct and attacking by default, and it seems this doesn’t leave them quite as much room for manoeuvre as is absolutely ideal. In isolation it’s a shortcoming that almost doesn’t register, but when you’re competing in an arena as fierce as these Q Acoustics are, even the mildest weaknesses get pounced upon.

Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Q Acoustics 3020c speakers' magnetic grille, in a hi-fi listening room — (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Q Acoustics 3020c review: Design

279 x 175 x 281mm (HxWxD)
5.5kg
Choice of four finishes

The 3020c are not the first Q Acoustics loudspeakers to be longer than they are tall – but just because it’s a familiar design trope that’s based on sound engineering principles, that doesn’t make it seem anything less than slightly strange. It certainly rules out the possibility of positioning the 3020c on a regular shelf-sized shelf, and it means there will be significant overhang when positioned on a speaker stand with an ordinary top plate.

Where build and finish are concerned, we’re on equally familiar Q Acoustics ground, which is an uncomplicatedly good thing. The curved cabinet corners look good, the satin nickel driver trim gives a premium impression (as well as being a magnet for fingerprints) and the vinyl wrap covering the MDF cabinet is flawlessly applied. The outside is available in satin black, satin white or walnut as well as the oak of my review sample, while the inside features the point-to-point bracing the company has been perfecting for some time now.

There’s a final design flourish in the use of magnetically attached grilles. Not only do they cover slightly less than the entirety of the front baffle (leaving the casual ‘Q’ logo exposed), but they don’t require any visible fixings – the baffle looks unsullied when the grilles are removed.

Design score: 4.5/5

Rear input panel of Q Acoustics 3020c speakers in a hi-fi listening room — (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Q Acoustics 3020c review: Setup and usability

Position the speakers securely on a shelf or stand…
Attach speaker cable using plugs or bare wire…
... And away you go

Just as with ‘features’, there’s really not a lot involved in the set-up or subsequent usability of passive loudspeakers. It’s really not rocket science, and it shouldn’t take long before you’re up and running.

So, you’ll need to position your speakers securely – they are supplied with little rubber feet in order to decouple them from the surface on which they stand. Ideally, you’ll be further from them than they are from each other when you’re listening, and ideally they’ll be ‘toed in’ just a little towards you. You’ll need to attach them to your amplifier using half-decent speaker cable.

After that, it’s just a question of putting some music on and letting them do their thing…

Setup and usability score: 5/5

Q Acoustics 3020c review: Value

It’s hard to suggest the Q Acoustics 3020c don’t represent value for money. Even in terms of the amount of stuff your $499 / £399 / AUS$899 buys, they’re impressive – these are reasonably big cabinets by prevailing standards, build quality is impeccable and the standard of finish is top-tier, too.

And when it comes to sound quality, the 3020c – while being a quite specific flavor – have a whole stack of talents that will keep you listening long after you should have stopped and started doing something else.

It’s really only those listeners who want to be able to hear the low-frequency stuff from another room who might disagree.

Value score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Q Acoustics 3020c?

Buy them if...

You’re after a vigorous, direct and detailed sound
They just about stop short of grabbing you by the lapels, but the 3020c are a positive and quite attacking listen nevertheless

You admire a standard of build and finish that belies an asking price
Between cabinets that are braced on the inside and curved on the outside, flawlessly applied vinyl wrap and shiny ‘satin nickel’ driver surrounds, the 3020c look like a more expensive proposition than they actually are

You have deep shelves or big speaker stands
‘Longer than tall’ is always a slightly awkward look in a loudspeaker, and you’ll need an appropriately sized surface on which to position your Q Acoustics

Don't buy them if...

You crave low-frequency impact
The bass the Q Acoustics create is textured, tonally convincing and carefully controlled – but other designs hit harder

You haven’t checked your options
The 3020c are deeply competitive, but they’re by no means your only choice at this sort of money and you should investigate the whole of the market

You feel strongly about loudspeaker proportions
If you’re even slightly freaked out by loudspeakers that are longer than they are tall then you’re going to find the 3020c more than somewhat strange

Q Acoustics 3020c review: Also consider

The Elac Debut 3.0 DB63 have a rather ungainly model name, but at around $470 / £369 per pair they’re cracking value for money. Not as visually sleek as the 3020c if you ask me, but they have the all-around sonic talent to really take the fight to the Q Acoustics.

How I tested the Q Acoustics 3020c

Connected to a Naim Uniti Star and a Cambridge Audio EXA100
Connected using QED XT speaker cable
Playing a wide variety of music from a number of different sources

During my time with the 3020c the only amplification to hand was, to be absolutely honest, somewhat overspecified. But by the same token I know the way they sound pretty well, so was perfectly comfortable hooking the Q Acoustics to both the Cambridge Audio and the Naim devices using a QED speaker cable that falls just as readily into the ‘overkill’ category.

I listened to vinyl records, CDs and music streamed from Tidal in the course of the test – of all styles and types.

First reviewed: November 2024

Read more about how we test at TechRadar

UniFormation GK3 Ultra 3D printer review

11:06 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

The Uniformation GK3 Ultra has been a much-anticipated printer and follows on from the hugely popular GK2, just on a larger scale. Rather than an update to their other model, the GK3 is larger, boosts the screen resolution and adds features that help to improve workflows, something that will be of special interest to anyone wanting to use this machine professionally.

Rather than just hitting us with one headline feature, the GK3 boasts three major updates, the first and most obvious being the scale, with this machine overshadowing many other resin printers out there and offering a print build area that is close to that of a standard filament printer. However, it also offers outstanding 16K resolution, and it's only once you start printing that you can see just what this means in reality with prints that show finer detail than anything we've so far seen at this price. While the resolution is impressive, when that resolution is coupled with a build area of up to 300 x 160 x 300 mm, you can start to see the potential for modellers as well as product design.

Then there's the auto-resin refill system, which is simple in design but helps to ensure that you don't run out of resin during some of those huge prints. What's more, the chamber is now heated to help to ensure that the resin is at the best temperature for printing, again ensuring the best possible quality,

Considering the price of the GK3 Ultra, this is one of the best 3D printers I've tested, appealing to hobbyists as well as professionals who need a machine that offers precision and reliability.

Uniformation GK3 Ultra: Design

At 30 kg and measuring 455 x 400 x 575mm, there's nothing small or lightweight about the GK3 Ultra, and while that may seem big, you also have to factor in the flip-up lid, further increasing the height of the machine. However, if you're investing in the GK3, then the size really should be familiar, and neither should the weight. This is a machine that, once positioned, should have a permanent home, especially when you consider that much the same space is needed for the wash and cure machines.

When it comes to the construction of the GK3, the main frame is sleek and industrial, with a large hinged lid that provides easy access to the print area and helps prevent unwanted exposure to UV light. Our test review unit has gone through something of a transformation during the duration of the test, with slight tweaks having been made to the lid, which has transformed with several iterations arriving that have refined the design and function. All of the changes have been based on user feedback, and they make a huge difference.

The flip-over lid is a great idea and gives you access to the build area, which is substantial, as is the tank at the base that can hold up to 1.2 kg of resin. Uniformation has really looked at the mechanics of the build area, which is a point of the design that can so often be a weak point for resin 3D printers.

While they haven't done anything groundbreaking, there are several points here that do improve the usability, such as the quick release for the resin tank and build platform. This means that both can be quickly removed, cleaned, and replaced as needed.

The resin tank features the usual transparent film at the base, and this is held in place by a selection of screws. As is common, the procedure for changing films involves unscrewing two layers of screws in order to remove and replace the film, and as ever, this isn't a quick process, taking between 15 and 30 minutes from start to finish.

While the tank is huge, with one of the largest capacities for resin that we have seen, it also features an auto-fill option. The design of this is simple with a refillable resin cartridge, which can be dropped into the back of the machine, and then, as the resin label drops, the machine releases more resin. Through the test, this worked incredibly well, with some prints taking a good kg of resin to complete, and the fact that you can have that quantity of resin in the system is a huge benefit.

On the front of the machine is the 5-inch capacitive touch display, which once again offers a nicely designed and intuitive interface that enables you to select prints as well as run through general maintenance tasks.

One other point about the design is that the build chamber is heated, which just helps to ensure that the resin is kept at the optimum temperature for printing—this is especially important if the machine is kept in a workshop where the ambient temperature can't always be maintained.

Uniformation GK3 Ultra: Features

The Uniformation GK3 Ultra is packed with features that set it apart from other resin 3D printers as, really, at present, there's nothing else in this price range or size that can compete. At the core of the machine is the high-resolution 16K LCD screen; we've seen this high resolution recently, including, but most top out at 14K, so instantly, the GK3 takes the possible quality of prints up a notch. This screen offers a resolution of 15120x6230 pixels and an XY layer height of between 0.03mm-0.05mm.

When we looked at the GK2, we were impressed by the size, but when printing at a larger scale, having to fill the resin tank manually feels a little primitive. With the new GK3, this resin tank is auto-filled fill, and you place the resin cartridge, which holds 1 kg of resin each, into the back of the machine. Then, a sensor on the tank activates the release of the resin once needed. It's a very slick and neat system. When it comes to the actual size of the print area, it measures 300 x 160 x 300 mm, which should give you plenty of space for larger projects or bulk printing for small commercial print runs.

With any printer FFF or resin, one of the biggest issues as the scale of the printers increases is the rigidity of the machine, a factor that can have a massive impact on the quality of the prints. It's good to see that Uniformation has addressed this with one of the most solidly built resin 3D printers out there with a weight of 30 kg, confirming that this is not lightweight. It also measures 455x400x575, so it is considerably larger than most. One other feature of the quality of the mechanical design is that the Z-axis features both dual linear rails and ball screws to offer smooth and accurate precision as the build plate rises through the height of the machine.

Another key feature of this build area is the fact that the chamber is heated. We've already seen the difference that a heated chamber makes with other resin 3D printers, so this is an obvious step forward to ensure that the resin is at the optimum temperature required before the print process starts. The chamber also features a built-in air filtration system, which is an important addition for any resin 3D printer to stop the often strong smells of the resin leaking into the room.

Specs

Print Technology: MSLA (Masked Stereolithography)
Build Area: 300 x 160 x 300 mm
Minimum Layer Resolution: 0.03mm
Maximum Layer Resolution: 0.05mm
Dimensions: 455 x 400 x 575 mm
Weight: 30 kg
Bed: Heated chamber
Print Surface: Quick-release design
Software: Uniformation Slicer, Chitubox, Lychee
Materials: Resin
Print Speed: 2-3 seconds per layer

On the front of the machine is once again the large, clear 5-inch capacitive touchscreen that offers access to all the print settings and controls; it also enables you to pick up any prints sent wirelessly to the machine ready for printing. This connectivity is much the same as the GK2 and enables Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB options. However, the Wi-Fi setup is far easier than it was initially for the GK2, so any problems for anyone new to device networking shouldn't have an issue here.

When it comes to slicing, Uniformation provides its slicer, or you can use Chitubox or Lychee; we tested the machine on both Mac and PC systems, with the Uniformation Slicer being used on the PC while Lychee was used on the Mac. Both provide a huge number of options and settings, and they are able to wire transfer files to the machine.

There are a few other nice features around the design, such as the new quick-release design for both the build platform and resin tank, which makes it quick and easy to remove both without needing to undo bolts. In contrast, this style of quick release is common for build platforms, but it's less common for the resin tank and is a nice addition. Another nice touch is the resin drip hanger that enables the suspension of the build platform at an angle so all excess resin drips off. There are integrated LED lights and channels for resin drainage built into the build platform that helps avoid resin spilling into other parts of the system; all of the tweaks as the size increases to the design make a big difference over the GK2 (see our full review here).

Uniformation GK3 Ultra: Print quality

Getting started with the Uniformation GK3 Ultra is relatively quick once you've manoeuvred the machine into position. It's worth noting that at 30 kg, this machine is large, and while you can lift and position it relatively easily, having an extra pair of hands is definitely beneficial. It's checking that the work surface, or especially the desk that you're placing the printer on, is able to support that amount of weight. Once in position, the rest of the setup is straightforward, with the resin tank slotting and locking into place with the quick-release mechanism, a huge improvement over the usual bolt-down approach. Then, the build platform can be secured; again, this is quick release, and finally, the resin cartridge can be inserted into the back of the machine.

Next, with the power on, you can run through the usual setup process, and as our printer had yet to have the easiest trip to use, it went through a full calibration. When the box arrived damaged and the printer had quite obviously taken more than a knock or two, it was surprising that it had initially started at all. Still, the mechanics all seemed fine, and the machine was soon levelled, calibrated, and ready for action.

Once the model was sent over from the Lychee slicer to the machine, the print process was started, with the tank filling automatically to the required level for the first print. The print process then started, and it's apparent that while the machine is large, it runs quietly. Also, the filter and heated chamber both appeared to do their jobs as the print started to rise from the resin.

Print speeds for the first set of models were excellent and, again, surprising considering the size. Check over the first few character prints from the machine, and the quality really grasps you—while resin printers are good, the GK3 Ultra feels like a step up, and as the prints are washed and cured, the details that come through are outstanding.

As we started with the printer, a few small prints were produced, slowly increasing the size and scale until we almost reached the print height of the machine. Again, when printing with this volume of resin, there is always the fear of running out; however, here, with over a kilo of resin used on a single print, that wasn't an issue, with the resin tank filled and with a full resin bottle loaded. This is one of only a few resin printers that you can happily leave to print at this scale over a 15-24 hour print.

That was really one of the other surprising factors for the machine. While the scale of the prints is large, the print speeds are excellent, with full-sized and scaled prints developing in a relatively fast 24 hours. While this might not sound quick, the fact that it was able to print a model at this scale reliably and several times really marks this out as something different in the world of resin printing, especially at this price.

When it came to the quality of the finish of the models, the resolution was superb, and the printer was able to handle fine details well. Checking over the prints that have been produced using some of the higher print settings and there are hardly any signs of layering and checking the dimension accuracy of the prints further highlights just how good this printer is.

As a test, a production line of GoPro handlebar mounts was printed, and the quality across the board was excellent with no missed prints after five runs using the ABS-like resin. After each print, a tank cleaning exposure was run and peeled away to ensure that no debris had fallen into the tank; this cleaning process was carried out to help streamline the workflow, as changing a damaged sheet takes around 30 minutes.

One of the first prints through the print process did drop support, and this fell into the resin tank. While that print was fine, we missed the fact that anything had dropped into the tank, which resulted in the film being pierced at the start of the next print. When the machine was stopped, the damage was apparent, and a new screen and tank film were installed. The screen protector was quick to install, with the old one peeling away so the new one could be stuck in place. The changing of the resin tank film, on the other hand, does take time, with a huge selection of screws needing to be removed before the new film can be put in place and tightened. So, using the cleaning function is a quick way to avoid any damage to the film or screen.

Overall, for a resin printer of this size, features such as the temperature-controlled chamber, quick-release build plate, and tank, along with the filter and touch screen, make using the GK3 Ultra incredibly easy. While there are other high-resolution and featured resin printers out there, the GK3 Ultra is easily the best at present in this size and price. If you want an accurate, fully featured resin printer for your business, then this is definitely the best value for money and quality at present.

Uniformation GK3 Ultra: Final verdict

The Uniformation GK3 Ultra offers outstanding print quality and features that are designed to meet the needs of professionals and equally serious hobbyists. With its 16K resolution, auto-refill system, and large build area, it's a significant improvement over the already impressive GKTwo.

The review of the GK3 Ultra has taken some time due to a few last minute tweaks and changes from the company, with each change improving the build quality, especially for the visor along with some of the other features. This is a substantial machine, and considering the price, it's a solid investment for anyone looking for a high quality machine for modelling, jewellery, or any other use where high precision and absolute quality are needed.

While the machine is able to print at huge sizes for a resin 3D printer—the ultimate test came when we printed the excellent Heracles and the Nemean Lion (https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-heracles-and-the-nemean-lion-presupported-395096) model courtesy of Nerikson (https://www.patreon.com/nerikson)—there is a version of this at full scale that can be printed in one, and while that would be beyond the capabilities of most resin 3D printers, the GK3 Ultra has the capacity to handle that with ease. However, printing it in parts highlights the accuracy, as high precision is needed so that each part slots together easily. While the detail of many resin printers is superb, accuracy isn't always carried across. So, not only were we able to print more parts of the model in a single print run, but those parts all slotted together easily.

Overall, this is an outstanding resin 3D printer, and considering the features, scale and price there really is nothing else on the market that can compete.

Should You Buy the Uniformation GK3 Ultra?

We tested the best laser engravers- and these are the models we recommend.

Linxura Smart Controller review: a unique e-paper smart switch limited by the state of the smart home

7:35 pm | November 15, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home | Comments: Off

Linxura Smart Controller: one-minute review

Smart switches are still a fairly burgeoning smart home technology, meaning it’s a rife space for creativity; enter the Linxura smart controller, a unique smart switch featuring an e-ink display and four-button clickable dial controls.

Slightly reminiscent of Apple’s iPod, the Linxura smart controller has a lot going for it, from its portability to its display and the small fact that it can be programmed with a whopping 52 individual devices across a range of smart home ecosystems and manufacturers. While these qualities do set it apart from many of the best smart switches available today, they aren’t without their drawbacks.

It works over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, meaning there’s no added cost nor hassle from installing proprietary bridge or hub devices, and is compatible with Philips Hue, Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, Sonos, SmartThings and more, though there’s no HomeKit availability. However, not all pairings are made equal with Linxura; I had real difficulty setting up some, and others offer restricted toolsets.

It’s unique, and definitely useful for those who need a device that’s fairly ambivalent and offers a multitude of configurable commands, but ultimately it’s not possible to recommend the device unreservedly when the performance is so mixed depending on the ecosystem it’s paired with and the overall product quality when compared to its price.

Linxura Smart Controller mounted on wall — (Image credit: Future)

Linxura Smart Controller: price and availability

List price: $99 / £80 (about AU$150)

The Linxura Smart Controller is fairly pricey for a smart switch at $99 / £80 (about AU$150) versus the average $50 / £40 / AU$80 price tag of its competition, though given that you can program so many devices you might be able to get by with just one Linxura device rather than four or five simpler smart switches.

It’s available in three different colorways; Snow Pearl (white), Midnight Onyx (black) and Sterling Moon (greige). There’s one accessory sold for the Linxura smart switch: a magnetic base plate, which costs $14.99 / £16 (about AU$25) and comes in the same colors.

Value score: 2 out of 5

Linxura Smart Controller: design

Linxura’s smart controller is shaped like a rounded disc which can be attached to a wall-mounted magnetic base plate (sold separately) or carried around the home for easy access, making it a great option if you don’t want to use one of the best smart speakers to control your home but still want the semi-hands free smart home benefits.

The palm-sized dial is great for versatility and portability, but ultimately it looks slightly 80s sci-fi-inspired, which may or may not be the vibe you’re going for at home. Clad in all-plastic, the outer ring of the device is a clickable dial used to control the circular e-paper display it surrounds. It charges through a USB-C port placed on its bottom side, and attaches magnetically to the base plate.

Side of Linxura Smart Controller with USB-C port — (Image credit: Future)

The wheel isn’t quite as satisfying as Apple’s iPod despite their passing similarities, though I did delight in the little clicky sound as the wheel spins. To operate the dials, you need to press and hold and then turn the wheel, which led to some confusion when I first tried it. Otherwise, your options are to click and double click the wheel.

Because of the puck’s size, it’s not exactly discrete, and protrudes quite noticeably from the wall. Granted, in my home I affixed it with double-sided renter-friendly tape rather than the included screws, but even without the 2mm added by my tape, Linxura’s smart controller could do with being at least a little slimmer for a more contemporary, less obtrusive look.

Linxura Smart Controller mounting plate on wall — (Image credit: Future)

The display shows four devices at once, and has thirteen pages you can flick through using the wheel - for all my criticisms of this smart switch, this is a huge boon, with many smart switches relying on stickers or tactile labelling to distinguish between buttons. In dim environments, a backlight will kick in, triggered by the in-built light and capacitive sensors; however, it’s uneven and cheapens the device further.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Linxura Smart Controller: performance

To set up the Linxura smart controller, you’ll need to download the app and follow the instructions to pair; a fairly painless process to begin with. However, once paired, the switch is a bit of a hassle to set up.

It’s worth noting right off the bat that your Linxura experience will at least to some extent be characterized by the ecosystem you set it up in. For instance, on Alexa, it’s a bit of a nightmare, because the way it works is to register each combination of icon and action in the Alexa app as a unique ‘switch’ in your smart home.

That means for each of the 52 devices you can control with the Linxura smart controller, you’ll have to program the single click, double click, anti-clockwise wheel and clockwise wheel controls as separate triggers. If you’ve used Alexa-based automations before, you’ll know the suffering proposed by the necessity to manually configure over 200 triggers.

Linxura Smart Controller in hand — (Image credit: Future)

First-party software like the Philips Hue app work a lot more effectively, because once you’ve paired the two platforms you can configure everything directly in the Linxura app.

Furthermore, you get a very different experience in terms of the level of control between different platforms. When paired with Philips Hue’s platform directly, I could use the clockwise and anticlockwise dial spin to increase and reduce the brightness and color temperature by a set parameter; on Alexa, it just tuned the light to a set level.

Lag proved to be an issue, too, though during my testing seemed to fix itself. Using the Linxura to turn on my fan when I first began testing took anything from five to twenty seconds to trigger the response, though when I retested just before writing up my review it seemed to consistently change its settings within a few seconds.

Linxura Smart Controller illuminated at night — (Image credit: Future)

However, I must say its portability did come in extremely useful, and I was impressed with its battery life. The advertised three months battery isn’t quite the case if it’s in regular use, but I found that with moderate use it lasted almost two months, and with frequent use just over a month. There are thoughtful inclusions like the ‘find my controller’ beeper in the app, and compared to display-less smart switches I’ve used in the past, the Linxura was far easier to use and remember which controls were bound to which action.

Conceptually, it’s a fantastic idea, and had it come out just a few years earlier I’m sure it would have scored more favorably. As it is, however, the Linxura feels too limited and too overpriced to compete with the best smart speakers and mobile apps it's up against.

Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Linxura Smart Controller?

Buy it if

You want one controller to rule them all

If your priority is having one puck to operate all of your smart home devices, you’re in luck - the sprawling 52-device menu on the Linxura smart controller is unparalleled. View Deal

You want something portable

Linxura doesn’t need a constant power supply, and can comfortably last a month on a single charge with frequent use. View Deal

You use multiple platforms

With an ever-growing compatibility list, the Linxura offers control comparable to some major platforms across a wide range of ecosystems and manufacturers.View Deal

Don't buy it if

You value svelte design

It’s not ugly, but the puck-shaped Linxura has a distinctly dated feel to it, not aided by its e-paper display and cheaper build materialsView Deal

You're on a budget

Value for money isn’t the Linxura smart controller’s strong suit, and it’s an expensive choice of smart switch, coming in at almost double the cost of its competitors.View Deal

First tested November 2024

Metro Awakening review: a survival horror adventure that’ll land with the right audience, but that’s not me

4:17 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Virtual Reality Gaming | Tags: Resident Evil, VR | Comments: Off

Metro Awakening is not quite for me. There’s definitely something here for the right kind of VR game fan; namely someone with a better connection to the Metro franchise (this is my first entry), who enjoys slow-burn stories with splashes of horror, and who can stand spiders. That’s just not me, unfortunately.

Review Info

Platform reviewed: Meta Quest 3
Available on: Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S, Meta Quest 2, PSVR 2, Steam
Release date: November 7, 2024

I do enjoy some good ol’ survival horror, mind. Resident Evil 2, 4, 7, and 8 – including the Meta Quest Resident Evil 4 port – are among my favorite games of all time. The gameplay loop of facing your fears and exploring spooky environs to better face the dangers wandering those spaces is one I can’t get enough of, and in this regard, I think Metro Awakening does so much right.

Even the smaller beasts of the Moscow Metro feel intimidating, and there’s an inescapable tenseness to wandering the claustrophobic tunnels. Resources seem reasonably sparse to make management and stealthier approaches essential, but not so sparse that you feel like survival’s an impossible task – as long as you make every bullet count.

I also adore the game’s realistic weapons handling as it adds to the title’s overall terror; there’s nothing worse than hearing *bang* *bang* *click* as you realize you’re out of ammo as a monster charges you, and the only way to reload is to properly eject a cartridge, insert a new one and cock your firearm – simple enough except when you’re terrified. These moments wouldn't feel the same if your gun simply refilled its ammo at the push of a button.

That’s true for a lot of Metro Awakening’s interactive elements. There’s a realness to everything, including miscellaneous props you can find lying around, that makes this world feel fairly alive – which is fantastic for immersion.

Though these high-quality VR aspects are to be expected from Vertigo Games, the team behind Arizona Sunshine and its sequel – shining examples of the post-apocalyptic VR shooter.

Wandering through the dark

Set five years before Metro 2033 we play as Serdar, a doctor who is on a mission to rescue his wife Yana from the haunting voices of her traumatic past. On the quest, Serdar will discover the man he is destined to become: Khan, the mystic ally of the main series’ protagonist Artyom.

Best Bit

A monster launches itself at the player by clambering over machinery — (Image credit: Vertigo Games)

While I wish it came sooner, that first jump scare into your first proper combat was an excellent inciting incident that instantly frightens you in a way you can't shake as you play further.

While the story is well written – creating an intriguing blend of sci-fi and folklore – things take too long to get going. The intro made me feel like I was stuck in an over-extended cutscene broken up by unnecessary exploration between exposition.

There were some moments of action – a big fight scene with a mounted machine gun – near the start but I didn’t feel like I was being immersed in the survival horror setting I was promised. When I finally was, the inciting jump scare gave me whiplash as things went from zero to 100 in an instant.

Fans of a slower burning story will likely enjoy this more gentle pace – perhaps even how it juxtaposes with the titles’ more action and terror-filled segments – but I unfortunately found the intro a slog and from this bad start, I failed to feel compelled by the story. The plot felt like a roadblock to the game I wanted to be playing rather than an integral part of it.

I also had issues with accessibility. We have a whole segment of our reviews dedicated to this aspect so I’ll save some for that but I found the smooth locomotion vignette entirely ineffective – so where I was able to play Arkham Shadow until my headset ran out of charge just fine I kept having to pause Metro Awakening every 20 to 30 minutes, or make do with teleportation movement.

Metro Awakening player wields a a crossbow to protect themselves — (Image credit: Vertigo Games)

A difficult journey

The last of my gripes is I did notice a few performance hiccups, particularly just after passing through a loading zone. I was playing on a Meta Quest 3 and suspect more powerful systems – PSVR 2 and PCVR headsets – would struggle less on this side of things though I can’t confirm that for myself.

Though nothing I experienced was game breaking and it was always only a few seconds of noticeable framerate drops before Metro Awakening returned to

Overall then I think Metro’s VR entry has a lot to offer, especially to fans of the series who want to immerse themselves in the franchise’s iconic setting. The story isn’t for me, but for someone who feels more invested in the plot, I can see how its more gradual pace creates this unignorable tension as even in safer areas you’re agonizing about when the next monster will crawl its way out of the shadows.

Being dropped into this world through VR there’s some proper terror that feels so much more impactful than with a flat game. Horror fans will love what Metro Awakening has to offer, but if you prefer more light-hearted adventures this is one to skip.

Should you play Metro Awakening?

Play it if...

You love the world of Metro
This Metro 2033 backstory will help you learn more about the world and one of Artyom's closest allies, as well as give you the chance to truly experience the Metro's horrors firsthand.

You love horror
Metro Awakening feels intimidating in a way many flat games can't emulate. Be ready for a good fright fest if you pick this game up.

Don't play it if...

You hate slow-burn stories
If you want survival horror action right out the gate this won't be for you, the story takes some time to cook but, equally, that'll be a positive for some players.

You get very easily motion sick when VR gaming
While there is teleportation movement it's very slow, and the smooth locomotion has a weak vignette option that left me queasy.

Metro Awakening is not for the faint hearted — (Image credit: Vertigo Games)

Accessibility

As with many VR games, Metro Awakening requires you to have a full range of upper body movements – though it can be played standing or seated. It also boasts teleportation movement which is ideal for players who can’t yet stomach smooth motion.

Unfortunately, while smooth motion does have a vignette option it’s very weak – so much so that in the game’s darker environments I didn’t notice it at all. The upshot is while I’m generally fine with smooth movement with vignetting on I had to swap to the less enjoyable teleportation style because I was struggling to stay immersed for longer stretches.

Another issue is Metro Awakening has a fair few spiders, and while an arachnophobia mode is coming it isn’t out yet. I found the spiders in the more comedic VR title Kill It With Fire too much to handle so you can bet the spiders of Metro VR were beyond what I wanted to deal with. Horror is meant to be scary, yes, but there’s a distinctly unfun kind of terror that spiders instill in me so I’ll gladly wait for that update.

How I tested Metro Awakening

For this review I played through Metro Awakening using my Meta Quest 3 with the Razer head strap and facial interface, otherwise, it was the standard modeI. While I explored the Moscow Metro I tried a range of approaches to the game's various encounters to test different strategies, and I explored the game's settings to get a good grasp of its accessibility features.

myFirst Camera 50 review: child-friendly introduction to photography, video, and social media

12:43 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Cameras Compact Cameras Computers Gadgets | Tags: Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

myFirst Camera 50: Two-minute review

As technologies continue to collide, cameras for kids become more and more like camera phones, compared to the point-and-shoot cameras of yesteryear. The myFirst Camera 50 is a prime example: effectively, it's a tiny 4-inch tablet with a custom Android operating system that runs the camera and editing features. There's a 20MP rear camera, and for young content creators there's also a 16MP rear-facing camera and a built-in soft selfie light.

This might sound like a lot of technology for a child to manage, but with the camera designed to be used by children aged from 5-12, the controls are simple. There are just three buttons: the power button, a button to turn the light on and off, and the shutter button. The shutter button acts like one on a ‘proper’ camera, with a half-press focusing and a full press taking the photo.

There are, of course, the usual onscreen controls, such as another shutter button and the ability to touch the screen to focus. There's even the usual slider to adjust exposure. Holding down the onscreen shutter button switches to video recording, and while there's no optical zoom, there is the option of a 1x, 2x, or 3x digital zoom.

The camera is powered by a 2,000mAh built-in battery that's claimed to have a life of up to 240 minutes. In practice, how long it will last depends on what you're doing with the camera, but in the hands of a child, expect it to last a few days before it needs charging via the USB-C socket on the side.

Although the myFirst Camera 50 couldn’t be described as a tough camera, it does have a rubberized plastic finish that will help kids grip the camera, and there is a nice pronounced grip. Personally, I would also add a screen protector, as kids will be kids and the camera will get dropped. Within the box, you should find a wrist strap and lanyard so that kids can hold it safely, but these items were missing from my review sample.

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Image showing the sides of the myFirst Camera 50 — (Image credit: Future)

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What kids really want from their cameras these days is the ability to edit images and add photos and stickers, and the myFirst Camera 50 offers this and more.

The custom Android operating system that powers the camera also enables image-editing features. There's a good selection of different filters that can change the color and brightness of images, as well as a few different effects, such as Fisheye, Cross Process, and Vignette.

There's also the option to draw on images or add stickers – kids love stickers. The small array of cartoon stickers proved particularly popular with my children, who enjoyed adding sunglasses and random slices of watermelon to their photos.

Older children will also enjoy the myDiary journal feature. This can be password-protected so that children have some privacy. It allows them to save voice notes alongside images and videos, and then it presents these in a calendar view so that kids can look back on their adventures without needing to have a social media account.

Image edited with the in-camera stickers from the myFirst Camera 50 — (Image credit: Future)

Something else that can be saved to the myDiary are the AI-generated videos. The user selects a series of photos or videos, and the camera uploads these to a server which analyses the content and edits it to create short video complete with music. I found that it did this chronologically, and I’m not entirely sure how much true AI goes into the process, but it does an okay job of creating short highlight videos. (NOTE: When I was writing this review, there appeared to be a bug with saving the AI-generated videos to the camera and uploading them to myFirst Circle).

Those who are more hands-on can use the built-in templates to load their photos and videos, then have the video edited and music added. It's a basic introduction to video editing and is easy to use, although it may be too basic as your child gets older.

One of the key selling points of the myFirst Camera 50 is its integration with the myFirst Circle messaging service. Once you've connected the camera to a Wi-Fi network you're prompted to download the myFirst Circle app and link your camera to an account. Once set up, photos and videos can be uploaded. Parents can invite family and friends to download the app, and can authorize who's able to see their child’s posts and interact with them.

It is a great way to teach children about social media, and about what they may or may not want to share. It's also great for grandparents and other family members to see what the children are up to and keep in touch with them. It also works with the myFirst Frame Live or Doodle, which are Wi-Fi-enabled digital photo frames; when new photos or videos are uploaded to your myCircle account, they will be shown to those within your circle on the digital photo frame. Again, this allows for a passive way for friends and family to share moments almost in real time.

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Screenshots of the various features of the myFirst Camera 50 — (Image credit: Future)

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I found the process of setting up the Wi-Fi on the camera, and also a myCircle account on my iPhone, straightforward. The app feels rather basic and simple, which is largely by design to make it easy to use. It feels safe and secure, as much as sending any of your images to a random server could be.

Personally, I would rather wait until my child is a little older before they start getting too involved in social media, but a device like the myFirst Camera 50 and myCircle app seems like a good way to develop an awareness of the social etiquettes and understanding of posting online.

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The myFirst Camera 50 laying amongst some toys — (Image credit: Future)

Going back to the image quality of the camera, the images produced are about on par with what you would expect from a cheap smartphone. With good light, colors, and exposure, they look good, although the detail and sharpness of the image do break down when you view at 100% – the deterioration in quality is due to the small size of the sensor and the associated noise reduction. That said, given that most images will only ever be viewed on the camera, or on a smartphone or tablet screen, they're acceptable.

It's a similar story with the selfie camera, with images showing even lower quality when zoomed. The selfie light works surprisingly well, although the soft, warm light can often cause bits of the face that are in shadow to shift to a much cooler color.

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Image taken with the myFirst Camera 50 — (Image credit: Future)

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Image take with the myFirst Camera 50 — (Image credit: Future)

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Video is a little below par. While the myFirst Camera 50 can record at Full HD 1920 x 1080, there's no stabilization, and footage can be very shaky as a result. Exposure and autofocus also tend to jump very noticeably when shooting video.

Again, though, most children, certainly younger ones, will care little about these technicalities, and will simply be delighted to capture and share their moments.

All the images and videos can be saved to the built-in 4GB memory, or to a microSD card up to 128GB. It's worth noting that if you save images to the internal memory you will need to connect the camera to a computer to save them; they can't be transferred to a microSD card or via a Bluetooth or WiFi connection. Images also can't be downloaded via the myFirst Circle app.

Overall, the myFirst Camera 50 is a simple camera with basic features that will keep a young child entertained while encouraging their creativity.

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Image of the Blue myFirst camera — (Image credit: myFirst)

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Image of the Purple myFirst camera — (Image credit: myFirst)

myFirst Camera 50: Price and release date

Available now in the US, UK, and Australia for $129/ £109 / AU$149

The myFirst Camera 50 is available in Vibrant Blue or Cool Purple colors and comes with a wrist strap, lanyard, and some fun stickers so that your child can decorate their camera. It's available to buy now and costs $129.99 from the myFirst store (US) / £109 from myFirst's UK store and AU$149 from the myFirst Australia site.

myFirst Camera 50 amongst a selection of children's toys — (Image credit: Future)

myFirst Camera 50: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Your kids constantly want to take photos with your smartphone
The easy-to-use camera is essentially the same as a smartphone camera. If your children are constantly borrowing your phone to take photos or videos, this should offer them some independence, while you can continue scrolling Instagram.

You want to teach your children about social media
The secure, closed-loop MyCircle app allows children to upload videos and images, but parents have the reassurance that they can see all of the images, and have complete control over who sees the images. It's also great for family members who don't see your children often.

You want to foster child's creativity
Not only does the first Camera 50 provide a means of taking photos and video, it also offers the ability to edit images and video, and even use templates to add music and voiceovers, while the diary feature encourages journalling and reflection. It's great for creative young minds.

Don't buy it if...

You have an older child
Although the camera is recommended for children up to 12 years old, I feel that by the time most children reach around 10 they'll probably be ready for something more advanced in terms of features, particularly when it comes to editing photos and videos, areas where the camera is kept simple by design.

You have a younger child
Although my younger 5-year-old son was fine using the camera and taking photos, some of the editing features were still too complex and caused him a little frustration when he started to use them. It's something that he will grow into, but I would say around 7-10 years old is probably the sweet spot for this camera.

You want the best image quality.
The camera is inexpensive, and although it can produce half-decent images in good light it falls behind contemporary smartphones. If it's important to capture your child's images in as high-definition as possible, let them use your smartphone, or better yet, buy them an entry-level mirrorless camera.

myFirst Camera 50 on a park bench with the image preview screen showing — (Image credit: Future)

myFirst Camera 50: also consider

If our myFirstCamera 50 review has you interested in instant cameras, here are a couple of other options to consider...

Fujifilm Instax Pal
Not much larger than a golf ball, the Fujifilm Instax Pal is tiny camera that connects to a Fujifilm Instax Link printer via Bluetooth of via the Instax app. Your kids will have the freedom to run around snapping away without staring at a screen, with the fun of seeing the photos later, and printing them off so they can share them with family and friends.

Read our full Fujifilm Instax Pal review

Camp Snap
The Camp Snap is a modern reimagining of a disposable camera. It's a basic digital camera with no screen; you must transfer your images to a computer to see your photos. This makes it perfect for those who want their children to live in the moment rather than spending time staring at a screen looking at or editing images. The image quality may not be very good, but for children, the experience and simplicity make up for it.

Read our full Camp Snap review

myFirst Camera 50: How I tested

My two children aged 5 and 8, both used the camera on holiday
I also tried all of the camera's features

I set up the myFirst Camera 50 and made all the relevant Wi-Fi connections, before I passed it over to my 8-year-old daughter, who used it while on a few days of holiday. She happily shot family photos, mostly of her brother and me, while doing mundane things like eating lunch. She also shot some selfies and even a short vlog, needing no assistance from me.

I then used the camera on our return. I was able to see how easy it was to adjust the exposure and the overall image quality, and how difficult it was to use some of the more advanced features of the camera, such as social media and video editing and creation.

Finally, I connected the camera to my MacBook and transferred the images so that I could view them on a larger screen and upload them for this review.

First reviewed November 2024

UltaHost review

7:04 pm | November 14, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Website Hosting | Comments: Off

Behind every great website is a reliable host keeping things running smoothly. In this review, we’re diving deep into UltaHost, a fresh face in the hosting world that’s been turning heads.

Launched in 2018 by ScriptSun Ltd in Istanbul, UltaHost has quickly made a name for itself. The company offers a diverse range of services, including shared hosting, WordPress, VPS, dedicated servers, and even game, ecommerce, and social network hosting.

Unlike many competitors, UltaHost owns and operates its own data centers. This level of ownership often translates to faster performance, stronger security, and fewer headaches for you. With data centers spanning 15 countries across 5 continents, including the US, Canada, Germany, Japan, and India, it ensures faster loading times and reliable service for worldwide audiences.

We’ve taken UltaHost for a full spin - checking its speed, uptime, and giving their support team a good workout. And trust us, we know hosting inside and out. We’re here to give you the truth so you can decide if UltaHost is the right fit for you.

An image of UltaHost's prices and plans — (Image credit: UltaHost)

Plans and pricing: What types of hosting does UltaHost offer?

Whether you're just starting out or managing a large-scale operation, UltaHost offers a variety of hosting plans to suit everyone. Their options - including shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, and reseller hosting - are designed to meet any challenge you throw at them.

If you're ready to commit to a three-year plan, shared hosting starts as low as $2.99 per month. Alternatively, if you prefer the flexibility of a month-to-month subscription, you can get started for $5.99. It's a small price difference, but a solid entry-level deal if you're new to hosting.

The shared hosting plan comes with perks like unlimited bandwidth, free backups, a free domain transfer, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, the "Starter" plan only offers 30 GB of disk space, which can quickly become a bottleneck for sites with heavy media or rapid growth. As a result, you may need to upgrade to a higher-tier plan sooner than expected.

For those who need more control or power, UltaHost offers VPS hosting starting at $4.80 per month. This includes 1 CPU core, 1 GB of RAM, and 30 GB of NVMe SSD storage, providing dedicated resources for your site. Plus, managed server support and added security like firewalls and a dedicated IP to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely.

If you’re looking for even more control, dedicated servers start at $116.91 per month, providing a full server dedicated to your needs. With powerful specifications and the flexibility to handle high-demand applications, these servers are perfect for large-scale operations. UltaHost also offers virtual dedicated server (VDS) hosting, which offers similar benefits to dedicated servers but at a more affordable price point, starting at $37.50 per month.

While the initial pricing is budget-friendly, it’s worth noting that some plans renew at a higher rate. For instance, the shared hosting plan increases to $5.99 per month once the promotional period ends. Still, there are no major hidden costs, and the money-back guarantee allows you to test it out risk-free.

UltaHost offers a variety of payment options, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin, giving you plenty of flexibility. You can also choose from a range of control panels, including Hestia, CyberPanel, Plesk, and cPanel, with Hestia and CyberPanel available for free.

Our dashboard on UltaHost — (Image credit: Future)

Ease of use: How user-friendly is UltaHost?

Starting out with UltaHost is a cinch - whether you’re launching your first site or managing a bustling online business, the entire process is designed to be as simple as possible.

Our checkout page on Ultahost — (Image credit: Future)

Signing up with UltaHost is fast and hassle-free. Once you choose your hosting plan, you’ll either register a new domain or transfer an existing one. After that, just select your preferred payment plan, fill in a few personal details, and you’re all set. Once the payment is complete, one thing UltaHost excels at is simplicity - cPanel is included in all shared hosting plans, making management a breeze. If you're already familiar with cPanel, you’ll feel right at home. The intuitive dashboard lets you manage everything from emails to domains and databases. Want to set up a site or install apps? It's all just a couple of clicks away.

Our panel view on UltaHost — (Image credit: Future)

For VPS hosting users, UltaHost offers several control panels to choose from, including Hestia, CyberPanel, Plesk, and cPanel. Hestia and CyberPanel come at no extra cost, while Plesk and cPanel require a bit more investment. This flexibility lets you pick the control panel that best suits your skill level, whether you're a beginner or need advanced features.

If you're planning to use WordPress to create your site, you’re in for a treat. UltaHost offers automatic WordPress installations, complete with staging tools, plugins, and backup features. The platform also supports one-click installs for a variety of other apps and software. Need an ecommerce tool or a different content management system? Just click and go. This makes it easy to dive right into building your site without getting bogged down by setup tasks.

All shared hosting plans come with NVMe SSD storage, which means faster site load times, unlimited bandwidth, and free backups. Plus, you get antivirus protection to guard against DDoS attacks, and free backups keep your data safe, even if something goes wrong.

All in all, UltaHost nails user-friendliness. Quick sign-up, a simple control panel, and features like auto WordPress install and daily backups make hosting effortless. Even beginners will have an easy time getting their site online and running smoothly.

An image of TechRadar Pro's UltaHost testing metrics — (Image credit: Future)

Speed and robustness: How fast and reliable is UltaHost?

If there’s one factor that can make or break your site, it’s speed. Thankfully, UltaHost doesn’t disappoint. With a 99.99% uptime guarantee, backed by tier-3 and tier-4 data centers, reliability is clearly a top priority. Using UptimeRobot for our tests, we found zero downtime. The tool pings your site every 5 minutes, and the fact that it recorded no issues speaks volumes about UltaHost's reliability.

But what about speed? UltaHost leverages NVMe SSD storage, which provides faster data retrieval compared to standard SSDs. This means your site loads quicker, even during traffic spikes. Plus, their built-in caching and use of HTTP/2 help reduce server load, further boosting speed. The WordPress-optimized servers also bring performance enhancements specifically tailored for WP sites.

In practice, this translates to a smooth user experience with fast loading times and zero interruptions. Whether you’re running a small blog or a high-traffic ecommerce site, UltaHost delivers. Simply put, UltaHost excels at both speed and reliability.

Security: How does UltaHost protect your data?

UltaHost is backed by a strong security suite, including firewalls and automated malware scans, providing solid protection for your site and data.

It utilizes a web application firewall (WAF) to detect and block potential threats before they can harm your site. This proactive layer of defense shields your site from common attacks like SQL injections and cross-site scripting. Plus, DDoS protection is included, safeguarding your site from malicious traffic spikes that could cause outages or slow performance.

However, security doesn’t stop at the firewall. UltaHost offers automatic malware scanning to detect and remove harmful code before it can spread. Additionally, two-factor authentication (2FA) for account logins provides an extra layer of security, protecting your admin credentials. This helps prevent unauthorized access and keeps your hosting account safe from hacking attempts.

In the case of a security breach or technical issue, daily backups ensure you can quickly restore your site to its previous state. UltaHost provides these backups at no extra cost, giving you peace of mind that your data is always safe. A free SSL certificate is also included with all plans, encrypting data exchanged between your site and visitors, which helps secure sensitive information like payment details and personal data.

UltaHost also includes advanced tools like BitNinja to monitor your server and block threats before they cause harm. Plus, there’s IP whitelisting for controlled access, allowing you to specify which IP addresses can connect to your server via SSH or SFTP. This feature is especially useful for developers who want to maintain tight control over server access.

An image of UltaHost's support page — (Image credit: UltaHost)

Support: What is UltaHost's support like?

With round-the-clock support, UltaHost ensures you’re never left stranded. You can choose from live chat, phone, email, or ticket options to get the help you need at any time.

The live chat was a highlight for us. We connected with an agent quickly, bypassing any automated hassle. The assistance was fairly prompt and helpful, but it was a bit annoying when the chat window disappeared after minimizing the browser.

For those who prefer phone support, UltaHost offers dedicated helplines in the US and Turkey. However, our attempt to reach them from outside these countries wasn’t successful.

Email support is another solid option, which is becoming less common among hosting providers. You can also submit a support ticket, which is ideal for more complex issues, as it keeps an ongoing conversation with an assigned agent until your problem is resolved.

For those who like to troubleshoot on their own, UltaHost’s well-stocked knowledge base is packed with FAQs, guides, and video tutorials. We found these video how-tos particularly useful - they’re well-made and simplify complicated topics.

The competition: What are the best alternatives to UltaHost?

When it comes to web hosting, there are several alternatives to UltaHost, each with its own strengths.

Bluehost is an excellent choice for WordPress users, with direct backing from WordPress.org and strong WordPress-focused tools. It excels in customer support and performance, but UltaHost holds an edge with its broader flexibility and free features. While Bluehost is a solid competitor, UltaHost offers better long-term value, especially with its transparent pricing and added flexibility beyond WordPress.

Hostinger is another budget-friendly option, but UltaHost takes the lead with more server location choices, giving users better control over performance. Hostinger’s pricing is attractive, but UltaHost delivers more consistent service and flexibility, making it the better choice for users who need a well-rounded hosting experience.

SiteGround is a superb option for business sites, offering robust performance and advanced tools. However, its pricing is higher than UltaHost’s, and while SiteGround excels in business hosting, UltaHost offers similar performance and better value.

Final verdict

For small to medium-sized sites, UltaHost delivers solid and cost-effective hosting solutions. With strong uptime, NVMe SSD storage, free malware scanning, and multiple server locations, it packs a punch for the price. The user-friendly dashboard is an added bonus, making it a superb choice for those new to hosting.

The limited disk space in shared hosting plans could be a challenge for bigger sites or those scaling quickly. Additionally, keep in mind that renewal prices rise after the initial term.

Still, UltaHost delivers great value, but if you want more space from the start, you might want to explore higher-tier plans or other providers.

FAQs

UltaHost FAQs Can UltaHost be trusted?

Yes, UltaHost is a trustworthy hosting provider. The company has built a solid reputation for delivering reliable, affordable hosting services with excellent customer support. It also offers features like free malware scans and a web application firewall (WAF) to help keep your site secure.

An image of UltaHost's data center network — (Image credit: UltaHost)

Where are UltaHost's data centers?

UltaHost’s worldwide network of data centers should keep your site running smoothly, no matter where your audience is. With locations spread across the US (Seattle, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York), Canada (Toronto), Germany (Frankfurt), the UK (London), Turkey (Istanbul), Singapore, India (New Delhi), South Africa (Johannesburg), Japan (Tokyo), Brazil (Sao Paulo), Mexico (Mexico City), the UAE (Dubai), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), and the Netherlands (Amsterdam), you have plenty of options to choose from.

Thanks to its wide network of data centers, UltaHost guarantees fast and reliable performance with low latency, delivering a superb experience for your users no matter where they are.

Does UltaHost provide an uptime guarantee?

Yes, with a 99.9% uptime guarantee, UltaHost meets the industry standard. This means they’re committed to keeping your site online and accessible with minimal downtime. While no host can guarantee 100% uptime, UltaHost’s track record of solid performance and reliability makes it a trustworthy choice for keeping your site running smoothly.

Ivanti Neurons review

2:43 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Ivanti Neurons is a platform that helps businesses and MSPs secure their IT devices and infrastructure through remote management and patching tools. Founded in 1985, the company has an experience of almost 40 years and now caters to 40k+ customers worldwide.

It offers diverse tools to identify various IT assets within a network and then patch them automatically through pre-set rules. Unlike other RMMs, it prioritizes the most vulnerable security issue, ensuring you have a safe environment. Plus, it can secure a vast range of devices, from Windows and Mac to Android and iOS. The onboarding, implementation, and integrations are also simple to execute.

However, Ivanti may be a slightly complex tool for new users and may require a degree of training to get the hang of its functions. Plus, Ivanti does not reveal its pricing, meaning you’ll have to contact their sales team to get a quote.

Ivanti Neurons: Plans and pricing

Similar to RMMs like Datto and NinjaOne, Ivanti Neurons also doesn’t reveal its pricing. You’ll have to fill out a form with your requirements to get a custom quote from the sales team.

This is certainly a time-taking process, as you’ll have to lay down everything you need. However, with Ivanti offering a lot of products for different IT functions, this gives you a chance to customize the entire product and only pay for the features you actually need.

Ivanti Neurons: Features

Ivanti Neurons device details — (Image credit: Ivanti Neurons)

Ivanti Neurons' Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) gives IT teams single-pane visibility on all the endpoints and helps automate the entire lifecycle management of every single device, from onboarding to retirement.

Unlike other RMM solutions, Ivanti follows a risk-based patch management approach, which ensures you can patch the most vulnerable risks as soon as possible. While most RMM platforms follow the human validation of exploits from penetration testing, Ivanti employs a more comprehensive Vulnerability Risk Rating (VRR) method.

Besides CVSS, the VRR method considers Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) data, open-source threat intelligence, OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project), subject matter expertise, and trending information.

All of this data is correlated to arrive at a VRR score between 0 and 10 – the higher the score, the higher the risk. This allows technicians to prioritize patches that are more critical.

Mobile device management is as important as monitoring desktops. This is exactly what Ivanti is good at. In addition to Windows, you can also access other operating systems, such as iOS, iPadOS, Android, and macOS.

Irrespective of the device of the end user, you can use apps like Ivanti AppStation, Ivanti Sentry, and Ivanti Email+ to establish and monitor various safeguards on the devices. However, you’ll have to contact the sales team to get the exact quote for this feature.

What's more, Ivanti also has a dedicated BYOD portal, which allows end-users to bring their own devices into the company infrastructure without compromising the organization's security.

Ivanti also boasts comprehensive application control for Windows, Windows Server, and Linux systems. For example, it allows IT teams to manage user privileges and application access across your asset estate.

Technicians can even use Trusted Ownership checking to mitigate zero-day malware by checking the NTFS owner of an application. If the owner is non-trusted, the application will not be able to run on the system.

Similarly, Windows privilege management allows you to give end users access to only the apps or tasks that they need and not the entire endpoint. This reduces endpoint vulnerability and helps manage security costs. Technicians can also enforce device-based software license control to set usage and access limits on various applications.

Ivanti Neurons: Interface and performance

The Ivanti Neurons dashboard is clean and defined by user roles. You’ll only (and easily) be able to view the elements critical to your functions.

A few useful dashboard widgets include Asset Manager (it shows all your assets in different locations) and Asset Manager Analyst (it displays your open tasks, requests, and unassigned tasks). Similarly, the Asset Manager Management dashboard shows you all active asset requests from your team.

The dashboards are filled with color-coded charts, such as bar charts, pie graphs, pivot tables, and grouped lines. This helps you get a quick overview of the data instead of skimming through complex data records. You can add, modify, or delete a chart (as well as other elements on the dashboard) as per your user role.

Overall, the interface may come across as a bit old at first glance, but it gets the job done. It’s laced with information and can be customized by the admins as per user needs. This is ideal for large organizations with clear-cut role-defined employees.

Ivanti Neurons: Security

Ivanti Neurons offers airtight security, which is evident from the wide range of certifications it has received. For instance, the platform complies with Service Organization Control 2 (SOC2), which requires companies to adhere to certain security standards for data storage, and ISO/IEC 27001, which helps protect it from data breaches and security threats.

Ivanti is also in active compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and has a designated data privacy team that oversees its processes, policies, and standards. The platform also conducts periodic penetration testing to ensure its systems are free of any possible vulnerabilities.

Ivanti Neurons: Support

We were quite impressed by the assortment of support options on Ivanti. For starters, there are dedicated phone numbers for various locations, such as the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

The platform also offers a dedicated success portal where, along with viewing other details, you can raise a ticket and request a callback from the support team. If your problem is ‘Severity 1 - Critical,” the team will call you back even outside of business hours, ensuring prompt support. Severity 1 - Critical problems are those where the product isn’t working and cannot be restarted or there’s an unstable third-party, mission-critical application.

Ivanti also has a very active community forum where you can ask questions and expect quick resolutions. What we liked the most is that there are several groups within these communities based on the product type.

So, there’s a separate group for automation, IT asset management, service management, and so on. These communities also have MVP members along with their LinkedIn IDs to help you reach out to experts.

Ivanti Neurons: Final verdict

Ivanti Neurons is a diverse RMM platform that goes beyond vanilla remote management functions. It offers a lot of products that can be mixed and matched and customized into a unique plan for your business needs. In addition to automating patch management, its Discovery feature lets you maintain a real-time inventory of your company's digital assets, ensuring no endpoint is missed.

Ivanti supports Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and macOS, so businesses can manage almost every type of device. The platform has also recently introduced AI-powered automations, which allow teams to manage endpoint patching and technical issues through behavioral analysis.

Overall, Ivanti is a feature-rich and multi-dimensional RMM platform, ideal for large teams. However, one drawback is that you may have to spend a bit of time learning the ropes around the software since there are a lot of features to work with.

Ivanti Neurons: FAQs

What products do Ivanti Neurons offer?

Ivanti Neurons is an all-around security solution offering various products for different teams. For example, there’s an Ivanti Neurons Suite for IT asset discovery and a separate one for IT automation bots called Neurons for Healing. Next, there's a separate module for Unified Endpoint Management, Network & Endpoint Security, and Service & Asset Management, respectively.

Is Ivanti Neurons legit?

Yes, Ivanti Neurons is a legitimate automation platform that allows you to manage complex endpoint structures with ease. It was founded in 1985 and has a rich experience of over 40 years and thousands of positive customer reviews. It's super secure, too, with compliance with GDPR, SOC2, and ISO/IEC 27001. Overall, the platform is trustworthy.

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TeamViewer review

10:52 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

TeamViewer is a widely popular remote access and device monitoring tool. It was founded in 2005 and currently has more than 640,000 customers worldwide. The platform’s ease of use makes it a popular choice among IT professionals and MSPs.

With easy remote endpoint access, it offers features like endpoint threat protection, mobile device management, automated alerts, and patching. Its pricing structure also caters to a wide market – from single users to large-scale enterprises, there’s something or everyone. Plus, thanks to its robust cybersecurity structures, you can rest assured that your data will remain private.

However, it's worth noting that TeamViewer can be a slightly costly pick for small teams with less than 100 managed endpoints. Let’s dive deeper into TeamViewer to find out its best features, pricing, support, and security structure to find out if it's the best choice for you.

TeamViewer: Plans and pricing

TeamViewer offers a lot of plans for single users, teams, and enterprise-level businesses.

As you can see, TeamViewer offers a lot of options for businesses of all sizes – from individuals and small teams to full-blown enterprises. All of the plans allow connection to Windows, macOS, and Linux systems from Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and ChromeOS devices.

However, the number of concurrent connections can vary depending on the plan. For instance, both the plans for single users as well as the TeamViewer Premium subscription support only one concurrent connection, whereas the TeamViewer Corporate plan supports three.

Furthermore, every single tier comes with its own set of features. For example, you do not get asset management and device monitoring functions in the TeamViewer Remote Access plan.

That said, we found the Teams plans more value for money since they come with almost all the features the platform has to offer. For example, the Premium plan, which can support up to 300 devices, boils down to a rate of $0.38 per endpoint, making it one of the most affordable RMMs around.

However, this is only true if you have 300 endpoints to manage in the first place. If you don't, it will only increase your per-endpoint management cost.

TeamViewer: Features

TeamViewer has an impressive list of remote management features. You can get a complete view of all IoT assets in your environment with detailed metrics like asset type, disk space, and network monitoring details.

The platform’s device monitoring features help IT teams keep an eye on various IT aspects, such as S.M.A.R.T. errors, software installations, and bad log-in attempts. You can even set various thresholds for CPU and memory usage.

TeamViewer device management — (Image credit: TeamViewer)

TeamViewer will send you an alert when there’s a new OS update available for download. What's more, you can even automate patch management through pre-defined policies – for either a particular end user or an entire set of assets. The platform also supports third-party application patching.

Integrated ThreatDown Endpoint Protection, powered by Malwarebytes, helps you protect your endpoints from malicious actors such as malware, ransomware, spyware, and even zero-day threats.

With both signature-based and signatureless detection methods, combined with behavioral analysis with the help of modern machine-learning algorithms, ThreatDown ensures your endpoints are not compromised.

You also get Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) features, which monitor suspicious activity in real time and isolate files that are infected. Endpoints can also be protected from accessing malicious websites over the internet, suspicious links, and malvertising attempts.

The best part is that you do not need to install any app or extension to deploy ThreatDown. It comes fully integrated with TeamViewer and deployment is as easy as pressing a button.

TeamViewer has also partnered with Ivanti to offer robust mobile device management. This includes onboarding, roll-out, and troubleshooting devices from a single dashboard. IT teams can deploy security enhancements, manage in-app controls and permissions, and enforce policies and standards.

It’s also possible to remotely lock and wipe devices in case of emergencies and also monitor a device's location in real time.

TeamViewer: Interface and performance

TeamViewer's main dashboard is intuitive and has a modern touch to it. You can quickly look at information like total devices managed, active devices, and devices missing patches.

TeamViewer dashboard — (Image credit: TeamViewer)

There’s a sleek panel on the left that helps you navigate through various functions and settings on the platform. These options are divided into functions like asset management, endpoint protection, backup, and mobile device management. Under each of these options, you’ll find several other drop-down clickable paths, which simplifies using the entire platform.

Moreover, every single function has a separate ‘overview’ tab, which helps you quickly drill down on important issues. This also ensures the main dashboard isn’t too cluttered and is easily skimmable.

TeamViewer: Security

TeamViewer pulls no punches when it comes to security. It has designed various policies and internal procedures and set up proper information governance structures according to the GDPR rules.

It goes a step ahead of other RMMs around and complies with the Brazilian General Data Protection Law (LGDP), which regulates the use of personal data by businesses in Brazil, and the California Consumer Protection Act of 2018 (CCPA), which establishes data privacy rights for customers in California.

To protect your accounts on TeamViewer, you can set up various security checks, such as two-factor authentication. In case you forget your password and have trouble logging in, you can rely on the platform’s zero-knowledge account recovery process, where you’ll need to enter a unique 64-character Zero-knowledge Account Recovery Code. All of this happens without any intervention from TeamViewer’s internal team.

We were also impressed by TeamViewer’s brute force protection. After every unsuccessful password entry, the time you need to wait for the next attempt increases. It can take as long as 17 hours to enter 24 passwords. This will come in clutch when a malicious threat actor is trying brute-force algorithms to compromise your TeamViewer account.

TeamViewer: Support

There are several ways you can reach out to the TeamViewer support team: live chat, phone, and email support tickets. Chat support is available from Monday to Friday between 8am to 6pm EST, whereas phone support can be accessed from Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm EST.

The only downside is that you do not get 24/7 support. Yes, you can indeed submit support tickets anytime you want, but the response may not be instant. However, there’s a special Service Level Agreement (SLA) option, where you get access to the phone number and email address of a dedicated TeamViewer expert, who will then promptly help you with any issues you might have.

Although not necessary for small teams, the SLA is essential for large enterprises with a lot of managed endpoints. That said, even SLA’s premium support is only available on weekdays.

TeamViewer: Final verdict

TeamViewer is a global remote management and access software that allows IT teams to manage and resolve IT issues remotely from any part of the world. Along with regular RMM features like device management and automated patching, TeamViewer has also teamed up with Malwarebytes to offer endpoint protection on all connected devices.

Additionally, you can also manage mobile devices in your IT infrastructure, thanks to its collaboration with Ivanti. This makes TeamViewer more than just a regular RMM platform.

The platform’s pricing structure is meant for both individual users and businesses with large teams. With the ability to manage 200-500 endpoints across its plans, TeamViewer is ideal for mid-sized and large businesses. However, small IT teams and MSPs handling less than 100 endpoints may find TeamViewer slightly on the expensive side.

TeamViewer: FAQs

Who is TeamViewer ideal for?

TeamViewer offers plans for individuals, small teams, as well as large businesses. However, you get the best value for your money if you have 200-300 managed endpoints, owing to the platform’s tiered pricing structure.

For example, if you only have 100 endpoints, you’d still have to choose the TeamViewer Premium plan, priced at $112.90 per month, which will bring your cost per endpoint to $1.12.

However, with the same plan, a 300-endpoint IT team will incur a cost of only $0.37/endpoint. Therefore, TeamViewer is more suitable for large and mid-sized teams and may be slightly expensive for small businesses.

Does TeamViewer offer integrations?

Yes, TeamViewer offers 30+ integrations, including popular apps like Slack, Google Meet, Salesforce, Zendesk, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Microsoft Intune, and Zoho. You also get access to TeamViewer API, which lets you connect other applications and systems to the platform to establish continuity between the endpoint and IT teams.

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